have you ever faced issues with Instagram videos not playing? Well, this could be pretty frustrating. However, there are easy solutions to fix an Instagram video not playing. Read the rest of this blog to find out about these solutions!
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How to Fix Instagram Videos Not Playing on iPhone and Android
There are nine main reasons why this glitch has happened. And, there are some common solutions to fix this problem on iOS and Android devices. We’re going to review these solutions in this section.
To fix Instagram not playing videos, try these methods:
1. Instagram Glitches
With over 2 billion users, Instagram glitches might happen sometimes. Therefore, sometimes, the issue might be with Instagram’s servers. You can check websites like DownDetector to see if Instagram is down and if others are experiencing similar problems with Instagram videos.
2. Background Apps
Close all background apps to boost the performance of your device. When multiple apps are running in the background, they can consume system resources such as memory and processing power, resulting in performance issues, including problems with video playback on Instagram.
3. Internet Connection
Next, check your Internet connection. Even if the connection appears fine, try toggling your data or Wi-Fi off and on to see if that resolves the issue.
4. Restart Your Device
Restarting your device can often solve the problem. Rebooting your phone typically fixes most issues that cause it to slow down, especially if it has been overheating from prolonged use.
5. Turn Off Data Saving Mode
Disabling Data Saver Mode can help fix issues like videos not playing on Instagram. Data Saver Mode is designed to reduce data usage by limiting background data and reducing the quality of media content. This feature can be useful for saving data, but it can also cause problems with Instagram video playback issues.
How to Turn Off Data Saving Mode?
To turn off your low-data mode: Open your settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Cellular Data Options > Toggle off low-data mode
6. Update Your Instagram App
Make sure you have the latest Instagram version available. Sometimes, glitches like videos not working on Instagram can be fixed with a simple app update. This is because the updated version will remove any bugs or errors.
Suggested Post: Instagram Keeps Stopping
7. Clear Instagram Cache (Android Only)
Cache files are like little bits of temporary data that help apps like Instagram run smoothly. But over time, these files can pile up and sometimes get corrupted, causing issues with video playback.
When this happens, videos might not play at all or could keep buffering. Cache stores data from previous sessions, and if this data gets outdated, it can mess with the app’s current version. Clearing the cache can help fix these problems by getting rid of the old, corrupted data and making room for fresh, new data.
So, try clearing the cache, and after clearing it, you can reopen Instagram to see if the videos are playing. If you have an Android device, here’s how to clear your Instagram cache:
Step 1 – Go to the settings and open ‘Apps.’
Step 2 – Choose Instagram and tap ‘Storage.’
Step 3 – Finally, select ‘Clear Cache,’
Apple doesn’t provide a direct option to clear the cache for individual apps on iPhones because they prioritize user experience and data security. Allowing users to clear all cache might lead to unintended consequences, such as losing unsaved data or being logged out of apps and websites.
If you have Instagram on an iPhone, you need to delete and reinstall the program to clear the cache.
8. Check App Permissions
Make sure that Instagram has the necessary permissions. On iPhone, go to Settings > Instagram and enable permissions like Camera, Microphone, and Photos. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram >Permissions.
9. Reinstall The App
Speaking of removing and reinstalling the app, If none of the above steps work, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the Instagram app.
Why Are Old Instagram Videos Not Playing?
If your old Instagram videos are not playing, there could be several reasons behind this issue. For example, Instagram’s standard formats have changed over time. Maybe the video you’re trying to watch doesn’t match the current Instagram format. Here are some other common reasons why old Instagram videos are not playing:
- Over time, video files can become corrupted, especially if they are stored or transferred multiple times.
- Sometimes, Instagram’s servers might have trouble accessing older content.
There have also been reports of older videos losing their audio due to bugs in Instagram’s system.
Instagram Videos Not Playing In Messages
Depending on whether it’s a shared video from Explore or a personal video sent from a gallery, there are four reasons why Instagram videos are not playing in your direct messages:
- Some videos might not be available in your region due to licensing restrictions
- Videos sent from a device’s gallery might be in a format not supported by Instagram
- A slow or unstable internet connection can prevent videos from loading properly
- Piled-up Instagram cache can cause issues with video playback in DMs.
Instagram Videos Stop Playing After a Few Seconds
If Instagram videos are not playing all the way on iPhone or Android devices, it is mostly due to poor internet connection. Scroll through a few videos, then turn back to the same video. You can also hold on to the video for a couple of seconds to pause, then release it to see if it’s fixed.
If none of these worked, save the video. If your Internet connection is too poor to save the video, take a screenshot from it to not lose it. Then, close Instagram, restart your network connection, and open the video again.
Instagram Videos Not Loading on Chrome
There are some common reasons why IG videos are not loading on Google Chrome, such as a slow internet connection, Instagram server glitches, or outdated browsers. But there are some other reasons why you’re Instagram video is not playing in the browser:
- Some browser extensions, especially ad-blockers or privacy tools, can interfere with Instagram videos.
- Piled-up cache and cookies can cause performance issues, including problems with video playback.
Instagram Videos Not Working, But Audio Works
This can be due to a glitch in Instagram. Close Instagram and check to see if any updates are available for the app. If so, update your Instagram and watch the video again.
Another reason why only the audio of the Instagram video is playing might be because the video file is corrupted, causing only the audio to be played.
Conclusion
The most common reasons why Instagram videos are not playing are 1) a Slow internet connection and 2) a Piled-up cache. Usually, you can fix these problems by switching your network and clearing your cache. Also, keeping your Instagram updated will prevent any bugs or glitches.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this topic:
Q1. Why Are Instagram Videos Freezing?
Instagram videos can freeze for network issues, app glitches, outdated applications, and cache problems.
Q2. Why Are My Instagram Reels Not Playing Properly?
Instagram Reels might not play properly due to poor internet connection, app bugs, data saver mode, and outdated applications.
Q3. Why Won’t Videos Play in Instagram Messages?
- Videos might not be available in your region.
- Videos sent from a device’s gallery might be in a format not supported by Instagram.
- Slow or unstable internet connection.
- Piled-up Instagram cache.